Photoluminescent coupling

ABSTRACT

A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

FIELD

The technology described herein relates to a photoluminescent, orglow-in-the-dark, coupling. In particular, the technology describedherein may be used in connection with enteral feeding.

BACKGROUND

There have been many advancements in the field of gastric feedingdevices, such as gastric button devices. Original devices had only oneport that provided direct access to a patient's stomach for food andmedication administration. With a single port, the use of the device wassomewhat simple and straightforward. Newer devices provide two and threeports. For example, newer gastric feeding buttons have a balloon thatallows the device to be maintained in the stomach of a user. A port,which is positioned next to the gastric feeding port, is used forintroducing water, or in some cases air, into the balloon. More advancedfeeding devices, known as Gastric-Jejunal Buttons or (G-J Buttons) havea third port that is used for jejunal feeding. The addition ofadditional ports provides a greater potential for user error.

Manufacturers have taken steps to design unique characteristics that areused to distinguish the three ports, including dimensional differences,incompatible connections, color differences, printed labels, andindicators molded directly into the devices themselves. Despite all ofthese steps to ensure that the feeding button is used properly by theend-user, there remains a risk of an accidental connection to anincorrect port. Due to the types of patients that necessitate theseparticular medical devices, administering food intended for the jejunalport into the gastric port could lead to vomiting and aspiration ofstomach contents—a potentially dangerous situation. Thus, care must betaken by the end user to avoid accidental device misuse.

One target patient population for gastric feeding devices is pediatricpatients with poor gastric motility. Since these patients will receivemost of their nutrition through the jejunal-access port, they will beconnected to a feeding pump most of the day and night. Consequently, thepatient's caregivers may have to connect and disconnect adapters to thejejunal-access port at night while the patient is asleep. This gives thecaregivers two options—they can either turn on a light in order tovisually see the device and its different ports, or they can keep thelights off (trying not to disturb the child's sleep) and attempt to makeany necessary adjustments to the device by memory and “feel.”

The first option of turning on the light presents a risk of waking thechild, who is already in compromised health. The second option deprivesthe caregiver of the benefits of many of the unique characteristics thatare used to distinguish between the three access ports, as describedabove, and, thus, presents a risk of accidental connection oradministration errors.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the teachings described herein, a coupling foradministering food or medication to a patient is described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an enteral feeding tube having a firstport, a second port, and a third port;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enteral feeding tube of FIG. 1 in adarkened state, showing how one of the ports has an exampleglow-in-the-dark feature and one of the adapters has a glow-in-the-darkfeature;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an enteral feeding tube similar to thatshown in FIG. 1, but where both the first and second ports have theexample glow-in-the-dark feature;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the enteral feeding tube of FIG. 3 in adarkened state, showing how two of the ports have an exampleglow-in-the-dark feature and both adapters have glow-in-the-darkfeatures;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a different enteral feeding tube havinga first port for feeding and a second port for a balloon;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the enteral feeding tube of FIG. 5 in adarkened state, showing how one of the ports has an exampleglow-in-the-dark feature and an adapter has a glow-in-the-dark feature;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the example glow-in-the-dark features ofthe feeding tube shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example glow-in-the-dark featureapplied to a port, where the glow-in-the-dark feature is molded in;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example glow-in-the-dark featureapplied to a port, where the glow-in-the-dark feature is externallyapplied; and

FIG. 10 is a top view of an input port with photoluminescent materialthat has a break in the material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology described herein relates generally to a coupling 10 thathas an example glow-in-the-dark or photoluminescent feature 12 that isused to help a user to locate and/or properly orient an adapter orconnector 14, 16 with an input port 18, 20 in a dark environment. Theexample portions of the coupling 10 are generally made of plastic andallow the part to glow-in-the-dark when ambient light is too low tovisualize the coupling 10 properly. It is desirable to be able to avoidturning on the lights when a child is sleeping. Thus, the exampleglow-in-the-dark feature 12 allows a caregiver to access the coupling 10without turning on the lights. It should be noted that when the termglow-in-the-dark is utilized, it is also meant to encompassphotoluminescent and other glow-in-the-dark materials. In addition, whenthe term photoluminescent is used, it is meant to encompass any numberof glow-in-the-dark materials. The terms should be considered to beinterchangeable when used herein. In addition, the terms adapter andconnector 14, 16 should be considered to be interchangeable when usedherein, but can refer to any type of device that may be associated withan opening, a port, or a coupling.

The coupling 10 with the example glow-in-the-dark features 12 mayinclude a glow-in-the dark input port 18, 20, 22 and a glow-in-the-darkconnector 14, 16 for coupling with the port 18, 20, such as a feedingtubes 24, 26. Other types of devices may also be useful with theexamples described herein, including those not limited to enteral use,such as those relating to parenteral and other uses, as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

In one example, a coupling 10 includes an input port 18, 20 and aconnector 14, 16 for coupling with the input port 18, 20. The input port18, 20 includes at least a portion that glows-in-the-dark 12. Theconnector 14, 16 may also include a glow-in-the-dark portion 12 that ismeant to couple with the glow-in-the-dark input port 18, 20. The inputport 18, 20 and connector 14, 16 glow-in-the-dark portions 12 may bemade of the same glow-in-the-dark resins, if desired, or of differentglow-in-the-dark resins.

The glow-in-the-dark resins that are used with the example couplings 10need minimal light exposure to charge because, in general, the couplings10 will only have limited exposure times to ambient light.Glow-in-the-dark plastic resins should emit enough light to help thecaregiver ensure proper coupling of the connector 14, 16 to the inputport 18, 20 during low-light conditions. The glow-in-the-dark plasticresins should emit enough light throughout the night withoutnecessitating a “re-charge” and should be biocompatible.

By providing a glow-in-the-dark material 12 that has the above-describeproperties, caregivers (either healthcare professionals or parents) mayconfidently access different ports 18, 20, 22 within a feeding tube 24,26 in low-level light conditions. Furthermore, as will be discussedbelow, the example couplings 10 help to prevent dangerous incorrectconnections while giving the patient a better chance to sleep throughthe night uninterrupted.

The types of materials that may be used for the example glow-in-the-darkfeatures 12 are non-limiting, as long as they charge upon exposure toambient light and they remain charged for an extended period of time,such as 4, 6, 8 or 12 hours. Different glow colors and glow strength maybe desirable under certain circumstances. Thus, different types ofglow-in-the-dark materials may be useful instead of the use of a singleglow in the dark material. Materials that charge quickly are useful,although those that don't charge quickly may also be useful. The expenseof the material along with the particular strengths of the material,such as color, glow strength, length to charge, length to remainchanged, etc., should be considered when selecting a glow-in-the-darkmaterial. Any number of other materials may be used, as known by thoseof skill in the art, as well as materials that may be developed in thefuture.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 show an example coupling 10 thatis utilized as a button for a G-J tube. This device 10 has an input port18 for gastric input, an input port 20 for jejunal input, and an inputport 22 for filling a balloon with a liquid. The gastric port 18 facesupwardly and is shown on the left side of the button 10. The jejunalport 20 faces upwardly and is shown on the right side of the button 10.The input port 22 for the balloon is positioned on the side of thedevice 10 and is shown facing forwardly. Both the gastric and jejunalinput ports 18, 20 have a plug 28 that is attached to the button 10 witha strip of plastic material 30, so that when the ports 18, 20 are notcoupled to a connector 14, 16, they can be closed by the plug 28. Theballoon input port 22 is self-closing. A full description of a G-Jbutton 10 similar to that shown in the examples may be found atwww.amtinnovation.com/button_G-JET.html. Similar devices are alsodiscussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,863,438, 5,007,900, 6,019,746, 6,364,858,and 8,048,056.

In the case of the G-J tube, one troubling type of misconnectioninvolves administering feeding intended for the jejunal-access port 20into the gastric-access port 18. One way to deter this type of mishapunder low-light conditions is to only make the jejunal-access port 20and the jejunal feeding tube coupling adapter 16 glow-in-the-dark. Thisway the caregiver would be forced to focus on the access port 20 that isglowing-in-the-dark, helping to lessen the possibility of connecting tothe incorrect port (which would not be glowing). An example of this isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Another possibility for the G-J tube would be to use two totallydifferent glow-in-the-dark colors for the gastric-access port 18 and thejejunal-access port 20 and connectors 14, 16. If the gastric-access port18 and its matching adapter 14 was glow-in-the-dark green, for example,while the jejunal-access port 20 and its matching adapter 16 wasglow-in-the-dark orange, for example, the caregiver would be able todistinguish both ports 18, 20 in low-level light conditions. Glowingstrength or intensity may also be adjusted such that the primary jejunalport 20 glows much brighter than the secondary gastric port 18. Thus, acaregiver could distinguish between the connectors 14, 16 to associatethem with the proper port 18, 20.

Importantly, different types of feeding compounds are administered forjejunal feeding as compared to gastric feeding. Thus, it is importantthat a user does not accidentally administer gastric feeding matter tothe jejunal port 20 and vice versa. Such accidental feeding can resultin harm to a patient. Thus, it is important to properly label and/oridentify the ports 18, 20 so that a user can easily determine which portis used for jejunal feeding and which port is used for gastric feeding.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the jejunal port 20 is positioned on theright side of the coupling 10 and the gastric port 18 is positioned onthe left side of the coupling 10. The feeding tube connector 16 that isassociated with the jejunal port 20 has a shape that is different fromthe feeding tube connector 14 that is associated with the gastric port18. As shown, the head 32 of the connector is larger for the gastricconnector 14 than is the head 34 of the jejunal connector 16. This,different shapes may be used as a means for distinguishing the partand/or connectors. The connectors 14, 16 can also be made in differentcolors or labeled appropriately, if desired. Thus, a caregiver who isfamiliar with the connectors 14, 16 and their shape can readilydetermine which connector 14, 16 should be used for jejunal feeding andwhich connector should be used for gastric feeding.

However, in low light conditions, such as in a bedroom of a patient atnight, a caregiver may have difficulty in determining which connector14, 16 should be used with which port 18, 20. The present example port18, 20, 22 and connector 14, 16 helps to remedy any difficulty that acaregiver may experience by providing a portion of the input port 18,20, 22 with a glow-in-the-dark portion 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the jejunal port 16 glows in the dark and is formed as an insert that ispositioned in the port in order to highlight the port 16. Alternatively,the glow-in-the-dark portion may be coupled to the port in any knownmanner.

The port 16 alone may be glow-in-the-dark, or the connector 20 may alsoglow in the dark. In the example of FIG. 2, both the input port 20 andthe connector 16 glow-in-the-dark. The port 20 and connector 16 may bethe same color. Although helpful to a user, this is not required. Theconnector 16 may also have labeling provided on a surface of theconnector 16 or input port 20. In the example shown, the connector 16and input port 20 glow-in-the-dark and both have black lines 36 thatidentify an alignment mark 36 for aligning the connector 16 with a keyshape 38 to an input port 20, as well as labeling 40 to assist the userin locking the connector 16 into the port 20. Other labeling could alsobe used that assists the user in identifying the type of port.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the blackened line 36 of the input port20 identifies a location for a shape change 42 in the port 20. In theexample shown, the port 20 has a key-hole shape 42 for accepting a keyor protrusion 38 that is positioned on the connector 16. The key 38seats within the notch 42 of the input port 20 and allows the connector16 to be fully inserted into the port 20. Then the connector 16 can belocked in place by rotating the connector head 34 into a locked positionsuch that the key 38 is positioned under a portion 44 of the input port20. The blackened line 36 on the input port 20 can be created in anyknown fashion, such as by printing black pad ink over or into thephotoluminescent material, or by leaving a break 46 (shown in FIG. 10)in the photoluminescent material, among other known techniques.

FIGS. 3 and 4 concern a device similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,but in this example, both the gastric and jejunal input ports 18, 20have a photoluminescent portion 12 and both connectors 14, 16 arephotoluminescent 12. While the entire body of the connector is shown asbeing photoluminescent, portions of the body (not shown) or labeling onthe body of the connectors 14, 16 could alternatively bephotoluminescent. In FIG. 4, the gastric connector 14 and port 18 bothglow in the same color, such as green, while the jejunal input port 20and connector 16 both glow in the same color that is different from thecolor of the gastric feeding tube 24, such as orange. Alternatively, thetwo ports 18, 20 and/or connectors 14, 16 could glow in the same color,but with different intensities, or the two ports 18, 20 and/orconnectors 14, 16 could glow in the same color, but have differentlabeling that is visible in a darkened environment. One or the other ofthe ports and connectors could be glow-in-the-dark portions.

As with the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input ports 18, 20 havea key hole 42 or notched shape for accepting a key or protrusion 38 thatis positioned on the respective connector 14, 16. Each connector 14, 16may have an alignment label 32 and each input port 18, 20 may have analignment feature, such as a blackened line 32, to indicate theorientation of the connector 14, 16 for proper insertion into the inputport 18, 20.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a different type of coupling device 50 that has asingle input port 52 for food delivery and a balloon access port 62 forfilling a balloon in order to maintain the device in position on thebody of a patient. Even though the possibility of mixing up theballoon-access port 62 and the feeding-access port 52 is rare, aglow-in-the-dark feeding-access port 52 and connector 54 would assistcaregivers during connections and disconnections at night. This wouldlessen the likelihood of interrupting the sleep of the patient.

In the device 50, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the input port 52 for fooddelivery faces upwardly and is associated with a connector 54. One typeof device 50 of this nature that is presently known is the AMT Mini One®Gastrostomy Button 50. In the device shown, the input port 52 has a ring56 of photoluminescent material that is used to locate the input port 52in a dark setting. The ring may be coupled with or formed into thebutton 50 in any known manner.

In addition, the connector 54 may also be made of a photoluminescentmaterial 12 that matches the photoluminescent material 12 of the inputport ring 56. Alternatively, the connector 54 may benon-photoluminescent or the connector 54 may be a different color orglow intensity from the photoluminescent material of the input port 52.The input port 52 may have a shape that is conducive to a singleorientation for the connector 54, or that only allows one size ofconnector 54 to be inserted into the port 52. This may assist inpreventing accidental connection of the wrong connector. In addition,the connector 54 and/or input port 52 may have labels, such as markings,symbols, or wording, that are used to assist a user in properlyorienting the connector 54 relative to the input port 52. In addition,labels 58 may be used to properly identify the port 52 and/or connector54.

The device shown in FIG. 5 also includes a plug 60 that is connected tothe coupling 10 for plugging the input port 52 when the connector 54 isnot inserted into the input port 52. In addition, the input port 62 forthe balloon is shown extending to the side relative to the coupling 50.The balloon input port 62 shown does not have the same shape or size asthe input port 52 for food delivery, making it harder to accidentallyadminister food through the balloon port 62. In addition, the balloonport 62 shown is self-closing and does not require a plug.Alternatively, a plug could be used if desired or needed.

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of an input port ring 56 that is coupledto or molded into the coupling 50, as well as a connector 54 for usewith the input port ring 56. The input port ring 56 and connector 54 mayboth be photoluminescent 12. The ring 56 has a lip 64 around a top edgefor seating under part of the coupling 50 during the molding process.The ring 56 also has a strip of black ink 66 and a notch 68 that aretogether used for aligning a connector 54 with the port 52. The strip ofblack ink 66 is aligned with the notch 68 and is utilized to assist auser in locating the notch 68 for proper orientation of a connector 54.The general shape of the input port 52 is round, except for the notch68. The black line 66 may be positioned under a clear portion of thecoupling 50 so that it is visible when the input port 52 is molded intothe coupling 10. The coupling 50 may be made of a transparent material,or of another material if desired. In the event that the coupling 50 isnot made of a transparent material, the input port 52 can be formed sothat the black line marking 66 is visible. Alternatively, the black linemarking 66 can be positioned in a different location, such as on thenotch 68 itself, or a different marking can be used.

Instead of a black ink line 66 that is printed or otherwise disposed onthe surface of the input port 52, a break 46 in the photoluminescentmaterial 12 of the input port 52 may be used to provide a line fororientation purposes, such as shown in FIG. 10. Other types of markingsmay alternatively be used, including non-printed markings, stickers andthe like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connector 54 has a key 72 for seating in theinput port 52. The key 72 that is used to align the connector 54 withthe input port 52 has a shape that allows it to fit within the notch 68.In addition, the connector 54 also has a line printed 66 or otherwisedisposed on the surface of the connector 54 for aligning with the notch68 and which serves as an orientation indicator. The connector 54 alsohas an arrow 74 and the word “lock” 76 disposed on an upper surfacethereof for indicating how the connector 54 may be locked into the inputport 52.

The input port 52 may have disposed on a lower surface thereof a ledge78 that is positioned directly adjacent the notch 68. The ledge 78 isdesigned to hold the key 72 under the ledge 78 in order to hold theconnector 54 in the input port 52. Other types of connection mechanismsmay alternatively be utilized. The ledge 78 can be positioned on part ofthe coupling 50 instead of or in addition to being positioned on theinput port ring 52. The connector 54 is designed to prevent leakage fromthe input port 52 when properly connected. Other indicia or markings maybe provided on the connector 54 or on the input port 52 or coupling 50in order to assist a user in locking, aligning, or otherwise using theconnector 54 and input port 52.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show different types of manufacturing methods forincorporating a photoluminescent material 12 into a coupling 10, 50.FIG. 8 depicts an example of a ring 56 that is molded into the port andFIG. 9 depicts an example of an externally applied ring 80. Other typesof manufacturing methods and/or designs may alternatively be used. Forexample, a sticker could be applied to an exterior surface of thecoupling 10, 50, or a photoluminescent material could be applied to anexterior surface of the coupling 10, 50. Instead of having the entireconnector 14, 16, 54 be made of a photoluminescent material, portions ofthe connector could be photoluminescent (not shown), or portions of theconnector could have photoluminescent materials applied thereto (notshown) in any known manner, such as via printing, sticker, or othermeans of application.

The glow-in-the-dark principles discussed herein may also be applied toother medical devices that require connections and disconnections inlow-level light conditions. Nightly rounds are a common practice inhospitals, and patients are often woken up simply because the lightsneed to be turned on to make adjustments to devices and couplings.Glow-in-the-dark resins could be used in various couplings includingintravenous and arterial lines, dialysis connections, Foley catheterconnections, chest tubes, or any other type of liquid, gas, or vacuumconnection used for patient care. The housings of the couplings can becolor coded for different uses, and the dimensions of theglow-in-the-dark connectors can be varied to prevent misconnections.Glow-in-the-dark catheters and inter-lumen catheters can also be madeusing the above-described technology. This can help healthcareprofessionals visualize catheter placement in vessels near the surfaceof the patient's skin simply by turning the lights down low. If theglow-in-the-dark resins can be made to emit enough light, connectors canbe made to help illuminate body cavities as well.

According to one example of the invention, an enteral coupling comprisesa first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with thefirst input port. The first input port is one or more of a gastric port,a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first connector is for insertinginto the first input port and may include a photoluminescent portion.The second input port may have a photoluminescent portion associatedwith the second input port and a second connector having aphotoluminescent portion. The second connector is for inserting into thesecond input port. A third input port may also be provided with a thirddevice for insertion into the third input port. The third input port andthird device may or may not include a photoluminescent portion.

The photoluminescent portion of the first input port may be integrallycoupled to the first input port or externally positioned on the firstinput port. A second photoluminescent portion having a color that isdifferent from a color of the photoluminescent portion of the firstinput port may be utilized for indicating orientation. A break in thephotoluminescent portion of the first input port for indicatingorientation, wherein the break is provided by a second photoluminescentportion that has a different color from the photoluminescent portion ofthe first input port, or by a break in the material of thephotoluminescent portion of the first input port, or by a darkenedportion associated with the photoluminescent portion of the first inputport.

The photoluminescent portion of the first input port may have a firstcolor and the photoluminescent portion of the second input port may havea second color that is different from the first color. Thephotoluminescent portion of the first port may have a first color, thephotoluminescent portion of the first connector may have a second color,the photoluminescent portion of the second input port may have a thirdcolor, and the photoluminescent portion of the second connector may havea fourth color. The first and second colors may be the same and thethird and fourth colors may be the same. Alternatively, the first andsecond colors may be different from one another and the third and fourthcolors may be different from one another.

The first input port may have an opening with a discontinuous portionfor indicating orientation. The discontinuous portion may be provided bya notch, by black ink pad printing, by a break in the photoluminescentmaterial of the first input port, by a blackened portion, or by acombination thereof

In one example of the invention, the material of the photoluminescentportion of the first input port, second input port, first connector, orsecond connector charges with minimal light exposure and lasts for 8 ormore hours. One or more of the photoluminescent portions may glowbrighter than another of the photoluminescent portions.

The various parts of the coupling may include labels that are visible inthe dark. The labels may be positioned on the photoluminescent portionof the first input port and may include black ink or another differentphotoluminescent portion.

The example coupling may include an orientation indicating means,wherein the orientation indicating means includes black ink, a differentcolored photoluminescent material, labeling, different shapes, darkenedportions, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the photoluminescentportion may be bright enough to illuminate a body cavity.

In another example of the invention, a coupling comprises a first porthaving a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port having asecond glow-in-the-dark feature. The first glow-in-the dark feature isdifferent from the second glow-in-the-dark feature. The firstglow-in-the dark feature may be a first glow-in-the dark color and thesecond glow-in-the dark feature may be a second glow-in-the dark color.Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the first glow-in-the darkfeature may have a first glow-in-the dark intensity and the secondglow-in-the dark feature may have a second glow-in-the dark intensity.Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the first glow-in-the darkfeature may have a first glow-in-the dark shape and the secondglow-in-the dark feature may have a second glow-in-the dark shape.Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the first glow-in-the darkfeature may have a first glow-in-the dark labeling and the secondglow-in-the dark feature may have a second glow-in-the dark labeling. Acombination of any of the foregoing features may be utilized, asdesired.

The coupling may be an enteral feeding tube. The coupling may alsoinclude a first connector for coupling with the first port and a secondconnector for coupling with the second port. The first connector mayhave a first glow-in-the-dark feature and the second connector may havea second glow-in-the-dark feature.

In another example of the invention, a coupling for administering foodor medication comprises a first port having a glow-in-the-dark featureand means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting aconnector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation, and afirst connector coupled to the first port. The first connector is guidedby the means for orientation in order to properly couple the firstconnector to the first port. The means for orientating may be one ormore of a shape, a glow intensity, labeling, color, a break in theglow-in-the-dark features, texture, a darkened portion, or a combinationthereof.

The term “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.

While various features are presented above, it should be understood thatthe features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Further,it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur tothose skilled in the art to which the claimed examples pertain. Theexamples described herein are exemplary. The disclosure may enable thoseskilled in the art to make and use alternative designs havingalternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements recited inthe claims. The intended scope may thus include other examples that donot differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language ofthe claims. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly defined as setforth in the appended claims.

1. An enteral coupling comprising: a first input port; and aphotoluminescent portion associated with the first input port, whereinthe first input port is one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port,or a balloon port.
 2. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising afirst connector for coupling with the first input port, wherein thefirst connector includes a photoluminescent portion.
 3. The coupling ofclaim 2, further comprising a second input port having aphotoluminescent portion associated therewith and a second connectorhaving a photoluminescent portion associated therewith, wherein thesecond connector is for coupling with inserting into the second inputport.
 4. The coupling of claim 3, further comprising a third input portand a third device for coupling with the third input port, wherein thethird input port and third device may or may not include aphotoluminescent portion.
 5. The coupling of claim 1, wherein thephotoluminescent portion of the first input port is integrally coupledto the first input port or is externally positioned on the first inputport.
 6. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a secondphotoluminescent portion having a color that is different from a colorof the photoluminescent portion of the first input port for indicatingorientation.
 7. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a break inthe photoluminescent portion of the first input port for indicatingorientation, wherein the break is provided by a second photoluminescentportion that has a different color from the photoluminescent portion ofthe first input port, or by a break in the material of thephotoluminescent portion of the first input port, or by a darkenedportion associated with the photoluminescent portion of the first inputport.
 8. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the photoluminescent portionof the first input port has a first color and the photoluminescentportion of the second input port has a second color that is differentfrom the first color.
 9. The coupling of claim 3, wherein thephotoluminescent portion of the first port has a first color, thephotoluminescent portion of the first connector has a second color, thephotoluminescent portion of the second input port has a third color, andthe photoluminescent portion of the second connector has a fourth color,and the first and second colors are the same and the third and fourthcolors are the same, or the first and second colors are different fromone another and the third and fourth colors are different from oneanother.
 10. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first input port hasan opening with a discontinuous portion for indicating orientation,wherein the discontinuous portion is provided by a notch, by black inkpad printing, by a break in the photoluminescent material of the firstinput port, by a blackened portion, or by a combination thereof
 11. Thecoupling of claim 3, wherein the material of the photoluminescentportion of the first input port, second input port, first connector, orsecond connector charges with minimal light exposure and lasts for 8 ormore hours.
 12. The coupling of claim 3, wherein at least one of thephotoluminescent portions glows brighter than another of thephotoluminescent portions.
 13. The coupling of claim 1, furthercomprising labels that are visible in the dark.
 14. The coupling ofclaim 13, wherein the labels are positioned on the photoluminescentportion of the first input port and include black ink or anotherdifferent photoluminescent portion.
 15. The coupling of claim 1, furthercomprising an orientation indicating means, wherein the orientationindicating means includes black ink, a different coloredphotoluminescent material, labeling, different shapes, darkenedportions, or a combination thereof; or wherein the photoluminescentportion is bright enough to illuminate a body cavity.
 16. A couplingcomprising: a first port having a first glow-in-the dark feature; and asecond port having a second glow-in-the-dark feature, wherein the firstglow-in-the dark feature is different from the second glow-in-the-darkfeature.
 17. The coupling of claim 16, wherein the first glow-in-thedark feature is a first glow-in-the dark color and the secondglow-in-the dark feature is a second glow-in-the dark color; or thefirst glow-in-the dark feature has a first glow-in-the dark intensityand the second glow-in-the dark feature has a second glow-in-the darkintensity; or the first glow-in-the dark feature has a first glow-in-thedark shape and the second glow-in-the dark feature has a secondglow-in-the dark shape; or the first glow-in-the dark feature has afirst glow-in-the dark labeling and the second glow-in-the dark featurehas a second glow-in-the dark labeling; or a combination of any of theforegoing glow-in-the-dark features.
 18. The coupling of claim 17,wherein the coupling is an enteral feeding tube, and further comprisinga first connector for coupling with the first port; and a secondconnector for coupling with the second port.
 19. The coupling of claim18, wherein the first connector has the first glow-in-the-dark featureand the second connector has the second glow-in-the-dark feature.
 20. Acoupling for administering food or medication comprising: a first porthaving a glow-in-the-dark feature and means for orientation that assistsa user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first portin proper orientation; and a first connector coupled to the first port,said first connector being guided by the means for orientation in orderto properly couple the first connector to the first port.
 21. Thecoupling of claim 20, wherein the means for orientation is one or moreof a shape, a glow intensity, labeling, color, a break in theglow-in-the-dark features, texture, a darkened portion, or a combinationthereof.